wbwood wrote: I know there are many different portals to access these forums, RV.net, goodsamclub.com, woodalls.com, etc. Is there anyway to make it where the whole forum is not available to non Good Sam members? Not to cut out the valuable information that many non members give on a variety of subjects, but perhaps an area just for us. Or perhaps make the forum available from the Good Sam club website something totally different and available only to members?
I for one do get tired of non members bashing the organization, as well as the company that is supplying them the means of a free place to come to. I applaud Marcus' availability and his involvement for people to speak directly to him here and do think that should continue. But I do feel that those of us who are members, are missing the chance to bond with other members. We should be able to in an environment where we don't have to worry about our discussions being interrupted or downplayed by non members bashing the organization. I know there are samboreees and rally's and do think those are great and should continue. But there should be some sort of outlet on here, just for us. Chalk it up as another benefit to being a member.
rv2go wrote: Each of us can have their own opinion, but I think the forum should be open to anyone.
I agree, as I stated in OP, i'm not saying making the entire forum available only to members, but having an area just for members. Therefore not making the entire forums available to non members. You can still keep everything as it is, but perhaps add areas, just for members.
Seems to me, that they already sort of have this.....in that you can go to the Good Sam sub-forums for a variety of Good Sam questions and needs (such as Insurance).
I don't think it would make a lot of sense to keep it closed, as many folks who are interested in Good Sam, would probably take offense to what could only be considered a snub!
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
I agree PapPappy... I have no problem with people voicing there unhappiness with a business. It's great customer service to provide an outlet where people can voice their displeasure with the business. A company can only get stronger, if they take in those concerns and deal with them the best way they can. Once again, I applaud Marcus for his stance and his involvement.
I still think a members only section would be nice. It won't end the bashing, and it shouldn't on some of the warranted things.
And something you just said, makes me want to make comment about me saying that GS does not provide a service. It actually does provide a service. From the About Us page on their website, "Good Sam Club has been a leader for the RV community by sponsoring and influencing legislation on issues ranging from increasing outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands to combating discriminatory anti-RV parking ordinances, advocating scenic byways and defining motorhome lemon laws."... it does provide a service, but you don't have to be a member to receive these services they are providing. AS you mentioned about the AARP. The bigger and stronger it gets, the better it will be for all RV'ers, whether members or not. Many people do not know or don't think about these type of things that the club (business) does, to also include it's involvement with charities.
Brian RVing Illustrated
2010 Keystone Sprinter Select 31BH
2001 Coleman Santa Fe
rv2go wrote: Each of us can have their own opinion, but I think the forum should be open to anyone.
I agree, as I stated in OP, i'm not saying making the entire forum available only to members, but having an area just for members. Therefore not making the entire forums available to non members. You can still keep everything as it is, but perhaps add areas, just for members.
Seems to me, that they already sort of have this.....in that you can go to the Good Sam sub-forums for a variety of Good Sam questions and needs (such as Insurance).
I don't think it would make a lot of sense to keep it closed, as many folks who are interested in Good Sam, would probably take offense to what could only be considered a snub!
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I understand your point on that, but I think those areas are still slated for questions concerning those certain areas. Although I think they are good I am thinking of something totally different.
wbwood wrote: I know there are many different portals to access these forums, RV.net, goodsamclub.com, woodalls.com, etc. Is there anyway to make it where the whole forum is not available to non Good Sam members? Not to cut out the valuable information that many non members give on a variety of subjects, but perhaps an area just for us. Or perhaps make the forum available from the Good Sam club website something totally different and available only to members?
I for one do get tired of non members bashing the organization, as well as the company that is supplying them the means of a free place to come to. I applaud Marcus' availability and his involvement for people to speak directly to him here and do think that should continue. But I do feel that those of us who are members, are missing the chance to bond with other members. We should be able to in an environment where we don't have to worry about our discussions being interrupted or downplayed by non members bashing the organization. I know there are samboreees and rally's and do think those are great and should continue. But there should be some sort of outlet on here, just for us. Chalk it up as another benefit to being a member.
Sounds like a us vs. them ... how sad is that?
Lol. Didn't mean to try to keep people from something they didn't like.
I've been around here for a long time. It used to be 1 forum, and was hard to find a post or thread. Time went on, more found and joined in, now we have this totally refined forum. It didn't happen by exclusions of people. As Marcus make Good Sam Club a better club, more will join which makes Good Sam Club stronger.
I for one like it as it is, I see no benifit in an exclusive area...
Quote: I was merely suggesting an additional area for GS members. Of course there will be members who are not happy and they will post that.
And HOW would that be any different from this forum??
BTW: Here's what you get when you join GS per their website:
> Why Join
Find a Campground
Route Your Trip
Highways Magazine
Smile & Save Discounts
Golden Halo
RV Events & Tours
RV Tips & Information
CyberSam eNews
> Community
Good Sam Giveaway
Click on "Community", which takes you to "Online Community", click on "go to forums" http://forums.goodsamclub.com/.........which takes you to your very own special Good Sam forum which is RIGHT BACK HERE thru one of the 5 or 6 portals!!!!
And if you accessed this forum thru gaining access to their website to get the above links, which btw you had to PAY for to get in to their website to find the route to this forum.
I joined this forum for free.
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
I was involved with many large organizations during my career. The problem with most members, is they expect too much from the organization. Members are quick to criticize and non members can give you a multitude of reasons why they won't pay dues. I for one wish campgrounds and parks actually took you GS number when you register. Most just ask and don't require a number. In addition my experience with GS services are they are well worth the cost. I too, pick and choose what services I utilize,and frankly don't take full advantage of all their services. I personally feel non members, become members, after seeing, participating and hanging out in these forums. What makes this particular forum better than "closed forums" is traffic. "Trailer model" or "brand specific" forums for example , lack the number of participants and therefore potentially limit good imput. I don't really care if your a member of GS. If what you read here makes you smarter or a safer RV owner I welcome you!
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